Extra Credit
Special Occasion Speech Assignment
We have now had our final graded speech, and our semester is over. However, I
am offering students an extra credit assignment. This assignment is completely
optional. You do not have to do this assignment; your grade will not suffer if you choose
not to do this.
However, if you would like a chance to raise your grade, you should take
advantage of this opportunity. For just giving this speech, regardless of how well it goes,
I will raise your lowest speech grade by at least one grade (e.g. if you had a B on your
persuasive speech, it will be raised to a B+). If you do a good job on this extra credit
assignment, I will raise your lowest grade by as much as a full letter grade (so, a B on
your persuasive speech would become an A).
If you’re in my Monday class, you will have the chance to present this extra credit
speech on Monday, December 14. If you’re in my Friday class, you can give the speech
on Friday, December 18.
The instructions and tips are below. Remember, this is optional. You do not have
to do this.
Overview
Everyone at some point in their life will be asked to say a few words at their best
friend's wedding, their boss' promotion or a dear old aunt's funeral. Well, what is really
happening is a special occasion speech, and this is nothing more than a speech given
to commemorate a special event or person.
While standing before friends, family or colleagues seems pretty simple, there are a
few things to know:
 Keep the speech brief; under five minutes is plenty of time
 Keep it light and relaxing
 Direct it to the audience
Sounds pretty simple, huh? Well, it really is. This is mostly because you should
already be quite familiar with your audience and the person or event you're honoring.
Assignment Instructions
Prepare a speech appropriate for a special occasion. Chose from the following
types:
 Toast
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Introduction
Eulogy
Tribute
Acceptance Speech
The subject of your speech can be a friend, family member, classmate, or famous
person, as well as an object.
1. Prepare a 3-minute speech. No formal outline is required. No presentation
aids are required for this speech.
2. Do not read your speech off a paper. Use only note cards or memorize the
speech. Speak extemporaneously using your personal style to create drama
and interest.
3. Your introduction should catch your audience’s attention. Your thesis
statement (purpose of your speech, such as “I’m presenting this award to
John Smith for best student”) should be well executed and should be obvious
to your audience. Use transitions to aid in the flow of your presentation. Your
clincher should be well executed and leave your audience with some kind of
message.
4. The score for this speech will be mostly based on delivery and partly on the
content (words) of your speech. This is the time to put all your experience
from previous speeches to use to give a powerful presentation.
5. Have fun with this speech. Try your hand at humor. Create an emotionally
charged atmosphere in which to tribute a worthy person. Create an award
and nominate someone for it. Eulogize a departed loved one or world figure.
Be creative!!
Speech Tips
The Eulogy
First, let's go to one of the not-so-much-fun special occasion speeches. The
eulogy is a speech that honors a deceased person. This type of speech is generally
written and delivered by a family member or close friend of the departed. Think of a
eulogy as a reflection of a person's life. You may want to start out by introducing
yourself to the gathering. Then move to a few stories, anecdotes and memories. While
preparing, don't be afraid to ask family members, friends and co-workers for assistance.
While keeping the eulogy to about three to four minutes is standard, include as many
honoring statements as possible.
Let's practice: 'Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to remember Uncle
Rufus. He lived a good and humble life. In his 109 years, he was best known for his
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sense of humor. A stern man of ethics, he played a fair game of ping pong. In fact, it
was at the Asheville Ping Pong Championships that Uncle Rufus took his last drop
shot.'
Now, there are also special occasion speeches that actually celebrate happy
events. Let's leave Uncle Rufus to rest in peace while we move on to a few happier
occasions.
The Toast
A toast is when we offer up a drink to wish someone good luck. Usually, a toast
is given at a wedding or some other celebratory occasion.
There are a few things to think about when making a toast:
 Be sure all glasses are filled and ready to toast
 Gather everyone around
 Keep it brief
Imagine a person giving the toast of a lifetime to her friends, Mary and Steve, on
their wedding day: 'Come on, gang! Raise your glasses to Mary and Steve. May you
have a wonderful life together. Just remember, Steve, happy wife means happy life!
Give 'em a hand.'
Sometimes, a simple line or two with a funny or heartwarming statement is just
enough.
The Introductory
At a more professional event, you may have to deliver an introductory speech.
This is really simple. It means introducing someone to the audience. You may have to
do this to introduce a new employee, a keynote speaker or even a special guest. Even
though it is quite simple, there are still a few tips to follow. First, keep it less than two
minutes.
In that short time, include:
 Keeping the person you are introducing a secret until you are ready to bring
him/her on the stage
 Highlight the person's achievements
 Include a few personal tidbits, if possible
 Never read from a bio; condense it into your own words
Try this one on for size: 'Ladies and gents, our speaker today is an accomplished
ham radio dispatcher, a skilled macramé designer and an all around good father and
husband. Without further ado, here's Mr. Stanley McPeebles. Give him a round of
applause.'
The Tribute
A tribute or commemorative speech is really nothing more than a speech
designed to honor someone or something. They are done for several occasions, like
anniversaries, retirements, memorial services or even reunions.
Think about these tips:
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Show admiration
Highlight the person's best qualities
Use their contributions to society as a lesson for others
Put into motion, it might look like this: 'It seems like yesterday when Pickles was
chasing cats and biting the tires of moving cars. He was a good dog, faithful friend and
a heck of a fetcher.'
Our example is brief, but I think you get the idea?
The Acceptance Speech
Well, if you have ever been honored with a special accolade, you probably gave
an acceptance speech. What you did was accept an honor or award and thank those
who presented it to you before an audience. Here is the skinny on how to gracefully
take the award with ease:
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Start with Thanks. Thank the key people who helped you reach your goals,
such as mentors, coachers, or partners. You don’t want to include too many
people, though.
Talk about the Organization (Not Yourself!). Be humble and show that being
recognized by this organization is a true honor. Describe why it’s good for the
community. Make remarks that touch on why you care about the organization,
or ways your life has been changed by being part of it.
Make It Memorable. Tell a brief personal story about how you and others
have been affected by the organization or by the reason for the award.
End with Gratitude or a Call to Action. Conclude with a “Thanks again” to the
organization. Thank them for their work in the community and the impact
they’ve had on you. Depending on the organization you may also want to
inspire the audience with a specific call to action—perhaps to give generously
of their time or money to the organization.
Questions?
Email Professor Grabowski at mgrabowski@citytech.cuny.edu or text/call 646-8202130.
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